A live television interview can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. It’s exciting because you have the opportunity to talk about your company to a massive audience. But it’s terrifying for the exact same reason.
The good news is that with just a little bit of preparation, you can overcome your anxiety and effectively communicate your company’s story. Below are just a few of the basic tips that can help calm the nerves.
Talk to the anchor. During a live interview, you should interact with the news anchor. Think about it like a conversation. Maintain good eye contact with the anchor and do your best to forget the cameras are even there. While your messages are ultimately for the audience of the TV show, those messages will only resonate if they’re seen as part of a conversation between you and the anchor.
Be energetic. TV cameras tend to ‘suck’ the energy out of an interview, so you need to be more energetic and animated than you are in a typical conversation. Don’t overdo it though, you don’t want to come across as forced or fake. The best thing to do is practice. Before the interview, record yourself on your smartphone delivering some of your key messages. When you watch it, if you think you’re flat and boring, add more energy.
Dress to impress. The last thing you want is for your wardrobe or appearance to distract from the message you’re trying to communicate. Dress professionally, in a way that matches your company image. Dark, solid-color suits tend to work best with a splash of color in a blouse or tie. Wear your hair in a clean and professional manner. Make sure you’re comfortable and confident.
Know your interviewer. Having a rapport with the anchor can make the interview feel more natural. Spend a little time in advance researching the anchor and the TV station you’re appearing on. If you can, meet with the anchor before the broadcast, so you can get to know them in advance of the interview.
Plan your key points. Before going into an interview, you want to make sure you have your key talking points prepared. Think about the two or three things you want to make sure an audience remembers after your interview. Interviews can wander, so having a few talking points can help you stay on track.
Anticipate difficult questions. During virtually every interview, you’ll will probably be asked challenging or complex questions. When you respond, you’ll want to answer these difficult questions clearly and completely. If you feel the anchor is being unfair or inaccurate, don’t get angry. Simply answer the question and deliver your points.
If you have a big interview coming up and you want to make sure you’re prepared, contact Tucker/Hall, so you can make the most of the opportunity.
